OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
of Formaldehyde in Wood
– Chemical prohibition Act – Formaldehyde in
certain wooden consumer articles
- Wooden products: Formadehyde Emission should not be greater than 0.1 ppm
- Paper products: Formadehyde Emission should not be greater than 1 ppm
DIN EN 717-1 Holzwerkstoffe, Formaldehydabgabe nach der
DIN EN 120 Holzwerkstoffe - Bestimmung des
Formaldehydgehaltes nach der Perforatormethode
Wood-based panels. Determination of formaldehyde release.
Formaldehyde emission by the chamber method
Wood-based panels. Determination of formaldehyde release.
Formaldehyde release by the gas analysis method
Wood-based panels. Determination of formaldehyde release.
Formaldehyde release by the flask method
Determination of formaldehyde content; extraction method called perforator
Plywood - formaldehyde emission classes according to the
gas analysis method
COST Guideline 613, Report Nr.2 (1989)
Test chamber method according to the Regulation on
Hazardous Materials (large chamber)
4266.16:2004 + A1:2006
Reconstituted wood-based panels - Methods of test - Formaldehyde emission -
What is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is an important industrial chemical used to make other chemicals,
building materials, and household products. It is one of the large family of
chemical compounds called volatile organic compounds or "VOCs". The
term volatile means that the compounds vaporize, that is, become a gas, at
normal room temperatures. Formaldehyde serves many purposes in products. It is
used as a part of:
- the glue or adhesive in pressed wood
products (particleboard, hardwood plywood, and medium density fiberboard
- preservatives in some paints, coatings,
- the coating that provides permanent
press quality to fabrics and draperies;
- the finish used to coat paper products;
- certain insulation materials
(urea-formaldehyde foam and fiberglass insulation).
Formaldehyde is released into the air by
burning wood, kerosene or natural gas, by automobiles, and by cigarettes.
Formaldehyde can off-gas from materials made with it. It is also a naturally
Why Should You Be Concerned?
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas. When present in the air at
levels above 0.1 ppm (parts in a million parts of air), it can cause watery eyes,
burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat, nausea, coughing, chest
tightness, wheezing, skin rashes, and allergic reactions. It also has been
observed to cause cancer in scientific studies using laboratory animals and may
cause cancer in humans. Typical exposures to humans are much lower; thus any
risk of causing cancer is believed to be small at the level at which humans are
Formaldehyde can affect people differently. Some people are very sensitive to
formaldehyde while others may not have any noticeable reaction to the same
Persons have developed allergic reactions (allergic skin disease and hives) to
formaldehyde through skin contact with solutions of formaldehyde or
durable-press clothing containing formaldehyde. Others have developed asthmatic
reactions and skin rashes from exposure to formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is just one of several gases present indoors that may cause
illnesses. Many of these gases, as well as colds and flu, cause similar
What Levels of Formaldehyde Are Normal?
Formaldehyde is normally present at low levels, usually less than 0.03 ppm, in
both outdoor and indoor air. The outdoor air in rural areas has lower
concentrations while urban areas have higher concentrations. Residences or
offices that contain products that release formaldehyde to the air can have
formaldehyde levels of greater than 0.03 ppm. Products that may add
formaldehyde to the air include particleboard used as flooring underlayment,
shelving, furniture and cabinets; MDF in cabinets and furniture; hardwood
plywood wall panels, and urea-formaldehyde foam used as insulation. As
formaldehyde levels increase, illness or discomfort is more likely to occur and
may be more serious.
What Affects Formaldehyde Levels?
Formaldehyde levels in the indoor air depend mainly on what is releasing the
formaldehyde (the source), the temperature, the humidity, and the air exchange
rate (the amount of outdoor air entering or leaving the indoor area).
Increasing the flow of outdoor air to the inside decreases the formaldehyde
levels. Decreasing this flow of outdoor air by sealing the residence or office
increases the formaldehyde level in the indoor air.
As the temperature rises, more formaldehyde is emitted from the product. The
reverse is also true; less formaldehyde is emitted at lower temperature.
Humidity also affects the release of formaldehyde from the product. As humidity
rises more formaldehyde is released.
The formaldehyde levels in a residence change with the season and from
day-to-day and day-to-night. Levels may be high on a hot and humid day and low
on a cool, dry day. Understanding these factors is important when you consider
measuring the levels of formaldehyde.
Some sources-such as pressed wood products containing urea-formaldehyde glues,
urea-formaldehyde foam insulation, durable-press fabrics, and draperies-release
more formaldehyde when new. As they age, the formaldehyde release decreases.
What are the Major Sources?
1. Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation: During the 1970s, many homeowners
installed this insulation to save energy. Many of these homes had high levels
of formaldehyde soon afterwards. Sale of urea-formaldehyde foam
insulation has largely stopped. Formaldehyde released from this product
decreases rapidly after the first few months and reaches background levels in a
few years. Therefore, urea-formaldehyde foam insulation installed 5 to 10 years
ago is unlikely to still release formaldehyde.
2. Durable-press fabrics, draperies and coated paper products: In the early 1960s,
there were several reports of allergic reactions to formaldehyde from
durable-press fabrics and coated paper products. Such reports have declined in
recent years as industry has taken steps to reduce formaldehyde levels.
Draperies made of formaldehyde-treated durable press fabrics may add slightly
to indoor formaldehyde levels.
3. Cosmetics, paints, coatings, and some wet-strength paper products: The
amount of formaldehyde present in these products is small and is of slight
concern. However, persons sensitive to formaldehyde may have allergic
4. Pressed wood products: Pressed wood products, especially those containing
urea-formaldehyde glues, are a source of formaldehyde. These products include
particleboard used as flooring underlayment, shelves, cabinets, and furniture;
hardwood plywood wall panels; and medium density fiberboard used in drawers,
cabinets and furniture. When the surfaces and edges of these products are
unlaminated or uncoated they have the potential to release more formaldehyde.
Manufacturers have reduced formaldehyde emissions from pressed wood products by
80-90% from the levels of the early 1980.
5. Combustion sources: Burning materials such as wood, kerosene, cigarettes and
natural gas, and operating internal combustion engines (e.g. automobiles),
produce small quantities of formaldehyde. Combustion sources add small amounts
of formaldehyde to indoor air.
6. Products such as carpets or gypsum board do not contain significant amounts
of formaldehyde when new. They may trap formaldehyde emitted from other sources
and later release the formaldehyde into the indoor air when the temperature and
Do You Have Formaldehyde-Related Symptoms?
There are several formaldehyde-related symptoms, such as watery eyes, runny
nose, burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches and fatigue.
These symptoms may also occur because of the common cold, the flu or other
pollutants that may be present in the indoor air. If these symptoms lessen when
you are away from home or office but reappear upon your return, they may be
caused by indoor pollutants, including formaldehyde. Examine your environment.
Have you recently moved into a new or different home or office? Have you
recently remodeled or installed new cabinets or furniture? Symptoms may be due
to formaldehyde exposure. You should contact your physician and/or state or
local health department for help. Your physician can help to determine if the
cause of your symptoms is formaldehyde or other pollutants.
Should You Measure Formaldehyde?
Only trained professionals should measure formaldehyde because they know how to
interpret the results. If you become ill, and the illness persists following
the purchase of furniture or remodeling with pressed wood products, you might
not need to measure formaldehyde. Since these are possible sources, you can
take action. You may become ill after painting, sealing, making repairs, and/or
applying pest control treatment in your home or office. In such cases, indoor
air pollutants other than formaldehyde may be the cause. If the source is not
obvious, you should consult a physician to determine whether or not your
symptoms might relate to indoor air quality problems. If your physician
believes that you may be sensitive to formaldehyde, you may want to make some
measurements. As discussed earlier, many factors can affect the level of
formaldehyde on a given day in an office or residence. This is why a
professional is best suited to make an accurate measurement of the levels.
Do-it-yourself formaldehyde measuring devices are available, however these
devices can only provide a "ball park" estimate for the formaldehyde
level in the area. If you use such a device, carefully follow the instructions.
How Do You Reduce Formaldehyde Exposure?
Every day you probably use many products that contain formaldehyde. You may not
be able to avoid coming in contact with some formaldehyde in your normal daily
routine. If you are sensitive to formaldehyde, you will need to avoid many
everyday items to reduce symptoms. For most people, a low-level exposure to
formaldehyde (up to 0.1 ppm) does not produce symptoms. People who suspect they
are sensitive to formaldehyde should work closely with a knowledgeable
physician to make sure that it is formaldehyde causing their symptoms.
You can avoid exposure to higher levels by:
- Purchasing pressed wood products such
as particleboard, MDF, or hardwood plywood for construction or remodeling
of homes, or for do-it-yourself projects, that are labeled or stamped to be
in conformance with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) criteria.
Particleboard should be in conformance with ANSI A208.1-1993. For
particleboard flooring, look for ANSI grades "PBU",
"D2", or "D3" actually stamped on the panel. MDF
should be in conformance with ANSI A208.2-1994; and hardwood plywood with
ANSI/HPVA HP-1-1994. These standards all specify lower formaldehyde
- Purchasing furniture or cabinets that
contain a high percentage of panel surface and edges that are laminated or
coated. Unlaminated or uncoated (raw) panels of pressed wood products will
generally emit more formaldehyde than those that are laminated or coated.
- Using alternative products such as wood
panel products not made with urea-formaldehyde glues, lumber or metal.
- Avoiding the use of foamed-in-place
insulation containing formaldehyde, especially urea-formaldehyde foam
- Washing durable-press fabrics before
Do You Reduce Existing Formaldehyde Levels?
The choice of methods to reduce formaldehyde is unique to your situation.
People who can help you select appropriate methods are your state or local
health department, physician, or professional expert in indoor air problems.
Here are some of the methods to reduce indoor levels of formaldehyde.
1. Bring large amounts of fresh air into the home. Increase ventilation by
opening doors and windows and installing an exhaust fan(s).
2. Seal the surfaces of the formaldehyde-containing products that are not
already laminated or coated. You may use a vapor barrier such as some paints,
varnishes, or a layer of vinyl or polyurethane-like materials. Be sure to seal
completely, with a material that does not itself contain formaldehyde. Many
paints and coatings will emit other VOCs when curing, so be sure to ventilate
the area well during and after treatment.
3. Remove from your home the product that is releasing formaldehyde in the
indoor air. When other materials in the area such as carpets, gypsum boards,
etc., have absorbed formaldehyde, these products may also start releasing it
into the air. Overall levels of formaldehyde can be lower if you increase the
ventilation over an extended period.
One method not recommended is a chemical treatment with strong ammonia (28-29%
ammonia in water) which results in a temporary decrease in formaldehyde levels.
Such treatment is strongly discouraged since ammonia in this strength is
extremely dangerous to handle. Ammonia may damage the brass fittings of a
natural gas system, adding a fire and explosion danger.
Plywood and composition board
Plywood is made by gluing thin sheets of wood together with either
urea-formaldehyde glues (for indoor use) or phenol- formaldehyde glues (for
outdoor use). Composition board, for example particle board, is made by gluing
wood dust, chips, etc. together with urea-formaldehyde resins. The materials can
emit unreacted formaldehyde for some years after manufacture, with composition
board emitting more formaldehyde. In addition, heating these materials or
machining them can cause decomposition of the glue to release formaldehyde. In
the last few years, manufacturers of plywood and composition boards have tried
to formulate them to reduce formaldehyde emissions. However, you often have to specify
low formaldehyde plywood to ensure you get the proper product.
Formaldehyde is highly toxic by inhalation, highly toxic by eye contact and
ingestion, and moderately toxic by skin contact. It is an irritant and strong
sensitizer. Formaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen. Even trace amounts of
free formaldehyde may cause allergic reactions in people who are already
sensitized to it.
Machining, sanding, or excessive heating of plywood or composition board can
cause decomposition releasing formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide
(in the case of amino resins) and phenol (in the case of phenol-formaldehyde
1. Use low-formaldehyde products whenever possible. There are particle boards
that are made without formaldehyde, but these are very expensive.
not store large amounts of plywood or composition board in the shop since it
will emit formaldehyde. Instead store in a ventilated area where people do not
collectors connected to woodworking machines should be exhausted to the outside
since emitted formaldehyde will not be captured by dust collectors.
gradual bakeout, in which temperatures are raised to about 90øF, and
contaminated air exhausted to the outside, may accelerate formaldehyde
emissions in already purchased particle board and plywood, therefore reducing
Wood Preservatives and other treatments
Pesticides and preservatives are often applied to wood when it is being
timbered, processed or shipped. Unfortunately, it is hard to find out what
chemicals, if any, have been added. This is especially a problem with imported
woods, since pesticides and wood preservatives banned in the United States and Canada are often used in other
countries. Pentachlorophenol and its salts, creosote, and chromated copper arsenate
(CCA) have been banned for sale in the United Sates as wood preservatives
because of their extreme hazards. They can, however, still be found in older
woods and chromated copper arsenate is still allowed as a commercial treatment
(e.g. "green" lumber, playground equipment, and other outdoor uses).
It is supposed to be labeled. A variety of other chemicals can be used in
treating wood including fire retardants, bleaches, etc.
1. Pentachlorophenol is highly toxic by all routes of entry. It can be absorbed
through the skin, cause chloracne (a severe form of acne) and liver damage, and
is a probable human carcinogen and reproductive toxin.
Chromated copper arsenate is extremely toxic by inhalation and ingestion, and
highly toxic by skin contact. It is a known human carcinogen and teratogen.
Skin contact can cause skin irritation and allergies, skin thickening and loss
of skin pigmentation, ulceration, and skin cancer. Inhalation can cause
respiratory irritation, and skin, lung and liver cancer. Inhalation or
ingestion may cause digestive disturbances, liver damage, peripheral nervous
system damage, and kidney and blood damage. Acute ingestion may be fatal.
Creosote has a tarry look, and is also used for outdoor wood. It is a strong
skin and respiratory irritant, and is a probable human carcinogen and
and copper naphthenate are slight skin irritants; copper naphthenate is
moderately toxic by ingestion. If suspended in solvents, the solvent would be
the main hazard.
1. Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets on all chemicals being used in wood
treatment. Treated wood itself does not have Material Safety Data Sheets, so
you have to try and find out about any treatments from the supplier. In the United States, CCA-treated wood is required to
have a label and information on safe handling.
not handle woods that have been treated with pentachlorophenol or creosote.
Avoid scrap or old woods of unknown origin.
not saw, sand or otherwise machine CCA-treated wood, if at all possible. If you
do, use with local exhaust ventilation or wear a NIOSH-approved respirator with
high efficiency (HEPA) filters.
you add wood preservatives yourself, use zinc or copper naphthenates, if
not burn wood that has been treated with creosote, pentachlorophenol or
chromated copper arsenate.
A variety of glues are used for laminating and joining wood. These include
contact adhesives, casein glue, epoxy glues, formaldehyde-resin glues (e.g.,
formaldehyde-resorcinol), hide glues, and white glue (polyvinyl acetate
emulsion), and the cyanoacrylate "instant" glues.
1. Epoxy glues are moderately toxic by skin and eye contact, and by inhalation.
Amine hardeners (as well as other types of hardeners) can cause skin allergies
and irritation in a high percentage of the people using them. Inhalation can
cause asthma and other lung problems.
Cyanoacrylate glues: These are moderately toxic by skin or eye contact. They
can glue the skin together or glue the skin and other materials together,
sometimes requiring surgical separation. Eye contact can cause severe eye
irritation. Their long term hazards are not well studied, especially with respect
Formaldehyde-resin glues: Resorcinol-formaldehyde and urea- formaldehyde glues
are highly toxic by eye contact and by inhalation, and moderately toxic by skin
contact. The formaldehyde can cause skin and respiratory irritation and
allergies, and is a known human carcinogen. The resin components may also cause
irritation. Even when cured, any unreacted formaldehyde may cause skin
irritation and sanding may cause decomposition of the glue to release
formaldehyde. Formaldehyde can be a problem when working with fiber-board and
Contact adhesives: Extremely flammable contact adhesives contain hexane, which
is highly toxic by chronic inhalation, causing peripheral nerve damage. Other
solvents in contact adhesives are mineral spirits or naphtha, and 1,1,1-
trichloroethane (methyl chloroform), which are moderately toxic by skin contact,
inhalation and ingestion.
Water-based glues: Water-based contact adhesives, casein glues, hide glues,
white glue (polyvinyl acetate), and other water-based adhesives are slightly
toxic by skin contact, and not significantly or only slightly toxic by
inhalation or ingestion.
casein glues: These are highly toxic by inhalation or ingestion, and moderately
toxic by skin contact since they often contain large amounts of sodium fluoride
and strong alkalis.
1. Avoid formaldehyde resin glues because of allergic reactions and the
carcinogenicity of formaldehyde.
water-based glues rather then solvent-type glues whenever possible.
gloves or barrier creams when using epoxy glues, solvent-based adhesives, or formaldehyde-resin
glues, cyanoacrylate glues, and solvent-based glues should be used with good
dilution ventilation, for example, a window exhaust fan. Large amounts of these
glues would need local exhaust ventilation.
using solvent-based glues - particularly those with flammable solvents - do not
smoke or allow open flames in the studio. Eliminate other sources of ignition
in the room.
gloves, goggles, and a NIOSH-approved toxic dust mask when mixing dry casein
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